Congress Protests Escalate: Rahul Digs In, Nadda Hits Back with 'Selective Outrage' Charge

The Congress party on Wednesday intensified its protests across the country, demanding the removal of Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged remarks against reservation. Party leader Rahul Gandhi led a march to Parliament, stating that the minister must be dismissed for his 'anti-Dalit' comments. 'We will not stop until he is removed. This is a matter of constitutional values and social justice,' Gandhi told reporters.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president J.P. Nadda, however, termed the Congress's agitation as 'selective outrage.' Speaking at a press conference, Nadda said, 'The Congress party has a history of ignoring atrocities against Dalits when they were in power. Their sudden concern is only for political gains. They have no moral right to protest.'

The protests saw Congress workers gathering at Jantar Mantar in Delhi and at state capitals, carrying placards reading 'Pradhan Go Back' and 'Respect the Constitution.' The party has also demanded a statement from Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the issue.

Political analysts say the confrontation underscores the deepening rift between the two major parties ahead of upcoming assembly elections. The Congress is trying to consolidate Dalit and OBC votes, while the BJP is defending its minister and accusing the opposition of hypocrisy.

The Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs has not yet commented on the demand for a discussion. The Lok Sabha Speaker is expected to take a call later this week.